Caribbean - package or no? Travel Agent or do-it-yourself?

[adamak]

I'm still doing research for Caribbean trip. I would like to stay in deluxe resorts, but found them over my budget. Do you think we should use travel agent? Would that be a must? And should we always go with a package?

I search for hotel website, and their prices are significantly more than packages offered on other sites (like LuxuryLink.com). I just wonder what's the norm. Like, nobody should pay the price advertise on Disney website. So, is there a mousesaver site for the Caribbean??

I'm so spoiled by this board. I now realise there is no DIS help for the rest of the world.

 

[shortbun]

There are no general answers to your general
questions. It depends on your destination. Some
charter companies will not give you a reservation
without a travel agent-obviously, you would need
one then. And-how will you be handling any complaints
you might have? An agent who is experienced and
can go to bat might have better luck getting $$ back
or problems resolved-OR be able to tell you what the
rules are up front and not skip things like what type
of proof of citizenship you need. Dealing on line with
travel out of the U.S. could leave a lot of details out.
Many Tour Operators will match lower rates-if they are
secured in writing.
Those operators often work strictly with travel agents.
IF you are an experienced international traveller and
only need a reservation-by all means, go through the
internet and let the travel agents help those who really
need the help. Seems like you are having trouble deciding
on a destination. Don't take up a travel agents time with
destination research and make your reservations through
the internet- travel agents are only there to research for
their "clients", not as general information purveyors. That
is the purpose of the internet, travel books and libraries.
Have you decided on dates yet? Most of all-don't expect
perfection out of the travel industy-it's a mess. I personally
would not use an internet site that where I didn't have
a couple of personal recommendations. Lots of companies are
in bad shape financially. Many of them have gone out of
business-this includes internet travel companies(their profit
margin is lowest of all!) Might be prudent to work through
a company you know is an ASTA member and USTOA guaranteed.
Good luck. There is NO DIS for the rest of the world-true.

 

[leahannpen]

What shortbun said makes alot of sense. If you are unfamiliar with where you are going, espicially, use an agent. They can weed through all the junk out there. Most agent will check with several differnt compaines and give you the one with the best prices. Also, an agent will be able to steer you to a company with the best financial situation.

If where you are going to/from offers a "charter" package (a plane going from A to B, therefore discounted beyond regular airlines) that is 90% of the time the best deal going. The only catch is you have to go on the days they offer the flight. Usually and Saturday or Sunday for 7 nights.

A "package" will include your air, hotel, and taxes... that's importatnt. Most hotels will quote you a price that does not include, sometimes up to 14% tax. That adds up!

Also, typically, "packages" are at a discount price than just booking everything separate. Sometimes they prices are the same, but most of the time there is a big enough price difference that it makes it worth while to do a package.

Hope this helps you. PM me if you have more questions!

Leah

 

[TigerBear]

Do you know where you want to go in the Caribbean? I believe that Mexico is typically one of the cheapest places to visit - the Mayan Riveria looks especially interesting to me.

http://www.playaguide.com/

Here is a discussion board for Playa, but at the top of the page are links to boards on different islands in the Caribbean:

http://mytravelboard3.com/playa/

Good luck planning your vacation!!

 

[adamak]

Thanks. The board info is great.

I'm now considering mainly British Virgin Island, or USVI, or Anguilla. Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda looks very good to me.

I think I'm too spoiled by the Disney boards, and mousesavers. Out there, it's probably cheaper to do package. But in Disney, we can always beat the price doing it on our own. I must now graduate from my Disney thinking, and move onto the real world.

 

[NHAnn]

fodors.com has/had travel forums/bulletin boards...one specifically for Caribbean........I used it quite a bit in the late 90's and got some good tips. Also a site called wheretostay.com has good hotel info. With a little info you can check with packages thru an agent to compare "deals"